When Bill Allen retired, he wanted to open a brewery, a spot where he could welcome in his friends and the community.

Sadly, Allen, 58, died on Nov. 9, just weeks before his vision would become a reality with the opening of Greece's first craft brewery. Now, his business partner and son are making sure that Allen's dream comes to fruition.

"He was just such an energetic guy and he did so much," said Jeff Allen, 27, a teacher at Rochester Prep, about his dad. "He impacted the community in so many ways. This was just going to be one more way for him to put his stamp on the community and solidify his legacy. That’s why I’m here to help Mark now to see it through and make sure it all goes to plan."

They are reticent to put an official opening date, because of all the hurdles they've already encountered. But they've already brewed multiple batches, all of the fermenters are full, and they will soon keg their first beers.

"Every time we set a date, something else happens," Miles said with a big laugh. "We're getting fairly close."

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The 5,500-square-foot building, built in 2005, formerly housed a restaurant and then a daycare. The space has been completely transformed. It now features a warm and inviting taproom, a small kitchen (that will serve pub fare), and a brewhouse. There is ample parking. The beers will also be approachable.

Bill Allen was defined by his energy and jovial nature, friends and family said. The brewery would've been an extension of his personality. Bill Allen and Miles worked for more than 18 months to make the brewery a reality.

"It's not a sports bar. You're not going to see TVs plastered all over the place," Miles said. "It's the kind of place you come and enjoy a pint or two of beer with friends, hang out, have some conversations. Maybe meet some new friends. He just loved that kind of atmosphere."

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They first presented their vision to the Greece town board in May 2016. They wanted to call it "Cobblestone Trail," but a California wine company holds the trademark for "cobblestone" and didn't want to share the word with a brewery. Miles and Allen settled on "Wood Kettle" and the gorgeous brewhouse reflects the name.

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The steel logo adorns the back of the barn at Greece's Wood Kettle Brewing.(Photo: Will Cleveland/@WillCleveland13/Staff photographer)

“That’s the thing that defined him, his drive and his energy," Jeff Allen said. "He would be here every single day or on the computer every single day, working on something for Wood Kettle Brewing.

"He worked so hard every single day and he wanted to see it succeed. Him and Mark put a lot of sweat hours, sweat equity into this place. He was incredibly proud to bring people here and say, ‘See what we’ve done?’ "

That was just the another setback for Wood Kettle. They ordered and paid for their 7-barrel brewing system from an Ohio company that then filed for bankruptcy and closed. The equipment was scheduled to be delivered in January. It didn't come in until July.

Miles said they were one of the fortunate startup breweries. Some never received any equipment. Others never got back their money. But Wood Kettle got its system, it was just delayed.

That pushed back the timeline for opening, especially after they had to re-schedule with contractors who were lined up to work in the space when the equipment was supposed to be delivered.

But the finish line is now in sight for Wood Kettle.

"By us continuing this and working just as hard in his absence, it’s going to be the perfect tribute to him," Jeff Allen said. "I can't wait to get up on the bar on opening night and lift a mug in memory of my dad. We're gonna toast this place and I know he'll be looking down, so happy. He'll be proud of us seeing this through."